MSC Seascape arrived on Saturday, November 8th, at its new homeport, the Port of Galveston in Texas, ahead of its inaugural sailings from the city. The ship will depart weekly 7-night itineraries to the Western Caribbean, calling at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico and Isla de Roatán in Honduras. The cruises will operate year-round from the new state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal 16 at the port, signalling a major commitment by MSC Cruises to its U.S. market presence.
The new terminal, established in partnership with the Port of Galveston and constructed at a cost of approximately US$156 million, spans around 165,000 square feet and features two custom-built boarding bridges and a 7-story parking garage. The facility has been developed to accommodate larger cruise vessels and to expand the homeport’s operational capacity.
During the arrival event, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees characterised the milestone as a significant development in the port’s cruise evolution, while MSC Cruises’ North America President Lynn Torrent stated that the Galveston deployment aligns with the company’s strategy to blend European style with American comfort and expand its North American reach.
With the deployment of MSC Seascape from Galveston, the homeport now services one of the line’s largest and most advanced ships, boasting a range of high-tech amenities, themed dining and entertainment options tailored in part to the Texan market.
The move is expected to significantly enhance the region’s economy, increase cruise passenger volume and reinforce Galveston’s status as a major U.S. cruise homeport.